Water Shortages Hit Hyderabad, Residents Struggle with High Costs

Hyderabad is experiencing a severe water crisis as demand outpaces supply across the city. Residents in both upscale neighborhoods and lower-income areas are struggling with irregular supply, escalating costs of private tankers, and depleting groundwater reserves. The situation is expected to deteriorate further with the onset of summer.

In Jubilee Hills, residents in affluent areas rely on borewells and private tankers, while lower-income settlements, making up 60% of the locality, face acute shortages. Many households depend on private tankers, paying between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000 for 5,000 liters of water. Groundwater levels have dropped to 7.39 meters, raising concerns about further depletion.

Kukatpally, once a quiet suburb, now struggles with its water infrastructure as urban expansion continues. Groundwater levels have dropped to 15.55 meters, significantly below the city’s average of 6.29 meters. Many residential complexes have rainwater harvesting pits, but rocky terrain prevents effective absorption. The demand for private tankers is rising, with wait times expected to extend during peak summer months.

Serilingampally, a hub for Hyderabad’s real estate expansion, faces increasing strain on its water supply. Rapid construction in areas like Kondapur, Kokapet, and Nanakramguda has led to heightened demand. Gated communities already paying Rs 2.5 lakh per month for municipal water, available for only three hours daily, may soon have to turn to private tankers as supply remains inconsistent.

Saroornagar, once home to several lakes that replenished groundwater, now struggles with dried-up and contaminated water bodies. Groundwater levels have dropped to 15.75 meters, forcing residents to depend on private tankers that charge Rs 1,000 for 5,000 liters. Environmentalists warn that unless efforts are made to restore these lakes, the crisis will intensify.

Urban planners and officials cite unplanned urbanization as a key factor in the worsening crisis. Despite mandates for rainwater harvesting in new buildings, lack of maintenance reduces effectiveness. Experts stress the need for stricter water conservation measures, increased capacity for rainwater pits, and mandatory sewage treatment plants (STPs) to prevent further depletion.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) acknowledges the growing challenge, stating that rainwater harvesting is a required measure for new constructions. It highlight the urgency of exploring additional solutions to mitigate the crisis as water demand continues to rise.